Thanksgiving day travel. We don’t know about you, but Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday. It is so wonderful to gather with family and friends to give thanks for each other and the bountiful blessings on the table. But with family and friends scattered out across the nation, sometimes getting all together on one special day can be difficult. According to AAA about 47 million people traveled 50 miles or more from home. If at all possible, try to avoid the “leave Wednesday and return on Sunday” routine. These are the busiest days. Whether it be by plane, train or automobile, we would like to offer some tips for the Thanksgiving travelers. Of course the obvious thing to consider first is to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time.
The weekend before you leave you should do a general vehicle maintenance check such as your tire pressure, all fluids (oil, water, brake fluid, etc.), lights are in working order. Or you could accomplish this by having a complete vehicle inspection done by a mechanic. Consider fueling your vehicle the night before you leave. (This will be one less stop to make on your journey.) Get plenty of rest the night before the trip. Also, the night before be sure to charge your mobile devices (phone, laptop, digital camera). It is a good idea to bring along a portable charger. Go over a checklist of items you might like to have in the car for the trip such as healthy snacks, plenty of water and paper towels. Last, but not least, if children are going, pack up some entertainment for them and be sure their electronic devices are fully charged.
Leaving a little ahead of schedule may save you a lot of frustration because Thanksgiving is not a time to procrastinate. Before beginning the trip, check on local traffic and if possible, check your route to see if there are any construction delays, accidents, etc., which will slow you down and cause frustration for everyone in the vehicle. Check the weather reports so you can be prepared for whatever it is you may encounter on the way.
As long as your family is all together, it’s an adventure. Maintain a positive attitude both for your sanity and for the great example that it sets for your children. Whether you’re venturing over the river or through the wood, a little preparation and a lot of patience will go a long way toward ensuring a Happy Thanksgiving for your family. Happy and Safe Travels for all!
